Sealing tool inspection device and battery cell sealing system including the same

Abstract

An inspection apparatus for sealing tools according to one embodiment of the present invention is an apparatus for inspecting a pair of sealing tools that seal a portion of a battery cell, with the portion to be sealed in between them and in contact with the portion to be sealed on opposite sides, the apparatus comprising: a camera that photographs the pair of sealing tools in contact with the portion to be sealed and generates an image showing the gap between the pair of sealing tools; and a processor that generates first information relating to at least one of the distance between the pair of sealing tools and the orientation of the pair of sealing tools based on the distance of the gap shown in the image.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0088568 filed on July 7, 2023, and all the content disclosed in the specification and drawings of the said application is incorporated into this application.

[0002] The present invention relates to an inspection device for a sealing tool and a sealing system for a battery cell including the same, and more particularly, to an inspection device for a sealing tool that inspects a sealing tool configured to seal a case of a battery cell and a sealing system for a battery cell including the same.

Background Art

[0003] Generally, a secondary battery refers to a battery that can be repeatedly charged and discharged, such as a lithium-ion battery, a lithium polymer battery, a nickel cadmium battery, a nickel metal hydride battery, a nickel zinc battery, etc. A battery cell corresponding to the most basic secondary battery can provide an output voltage of approximately 2.5V to 4.2V.

[0004] Recently, with the application of such secondary batteries to devices that require a high output voltage and a large charge capacity, such as electric vehicles and energy storage systems (ESS), a battery module configured by connecting a plurality of battery cells in series, in parallel, or in a combination of series and parallel, and a battery pack configured by connecting such battery modules in series, in parallel, or in a combination of series and parallel again are widely used.

[0005] Thus, battery cells included in a battery module or battery pack may be manufactured using a process that involves housing an electrode assembly including a current collector and an electrolyte material in a battery cell case and sealing the case. In this case, the sealing quality of the battery cell may be determined by the condition of the sealing tool used to press / heat and seal the battery cell case.

[0006] However, existing technology involves periodically sampling a portion of the battery cells after the sealing process is complete and checking the thickness of the sealing portion of the sampled battery cells using a contact-type measuring device such as a micrometer to indirectly inspect the condition of the sealing tool. This has the problem that it takes a lot of time and cost to inspect the sealing tool, and the inspection delays increase the defect rate of battery cells, reducing the efficiency of battery manufacturing.

[0007] Furthermore, when attempting to inspect the condition of sealing tools oneself using contact-type measuring devices such as micrometers, there is a problem in that it takes considerable time and cost to cool the sealing tools, which are heated to a high temperature of about 250°C during the sealing process, and then reheat them after inspection. Additionally, measurement errors can occur due to the thermal expansion of the object being measured and the measuring device that occurs in a high-temperature environment. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] The object of the present invention is to provide a sealing tool inspection device that can quickly and easily check the condition of a sealing tool regardless of the temperature of the sealing tool, and enables real-time management of the sealing tool while the sealing process is being carried out, and a battery cell sealing system that includes such a sealing tool inspection device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] An inspection device for sealing tools according to one aspect of the present invention is an inspection device for inspecting a pair of sealing tools that seal a portion of a battery cell, with the portion being sealed in between them and in contact with the portion being sealed on opposite sides, the inspection device comprising: a camera that photographs the pair of sealing tools in contact with the portion being sealed and generates an image showing the gap between the pair of sealing tools; and a processor that generates first information relating to at least one of the distance between the pair of sealing tools and the orientation of the pair of sealing tools based on the distance of the gap shown in the image.

[0010] In one embodiment, the camera may include a first camera that generates a first image showing the gap between one end of the pair of sealing tools facing each other, and a second camera that generates a second image showing the gap between the other end of the pair of sealing tools facing each other.

[0011] In one embodiment, the inspection apparatus for the sealing tool may further include a position adjustment unit configured to adjust the position of the camera.

[0012] In one embodiment, the position adjustment unit may include a guide rail that guides the movement of the camera.

[0013] In one embodiment, the guide rail may include a first rail that guides the movement of the camera in a first axial direction and a second rail that guides the movement of the camera in a second axial direction intersecting the first axial direction.

[0014] In one embodiment, the invention may further include an extension structure provided at at least one end of the first sealing tool of the pair of sealing tools and extending outward from the first sealing tool, and a displacement sensor provided at a predetermined position and configured to sense the displacement of the extension structure in a non-contact manner.

[0015] In one embodiment, the displacement sensor may be configured to irradiate the extension structure with a laser or light and sense the displacement value of the extension structure using the laser or light reflected from the extension structure.

[0016] In one embodiment, the extension structure may include a coupling portion coupled to the first sealing tool, and a reflecting portion extending from the coupling portion to the outside of the first sealing tool, which reflects light or laser emitted from the displacement sensor toward the displacement sensor.

[0017] In one embodiment, the processor may be configured to generate second information relating to at least one of the position of the first sealing tool, the distance between the pair of sealing tools, and the orientation of the pair of sealing tools, based on the displacement values ​​of the extension structure sensed by the displacement sensor.

[0018] In one embodiment, the processor is further configured to determine whether the condition of the pair of sealing tools is abnormal based on the first information and the second information, and the sealing tool inspection device 200 may further include an output device that outputs a warning signal if it is determined that the condition of the pair of sealing tools is abnormal.

[0019] In one embodiment, the extension structure may include a first extension structure provided at one end of the first sealing tool and a second extension structure provided at the other end of the first sealing tool.

[0020] In one embodiment, the displacement sensor may include a first displacement sensor that senses the displacement value of the first extension structure at a first position, and a second displacement sensor that senses the displacement value of the second extension structure at a second position.

[0021] In one embodiment, the pair of sealing tools are configured to seal the portion to be sealed by transferring heat above a predetermined temperature, and the displacement sensor may be positioned below the pair of sealing tools so as not to encounter heat moving upward from the pair of sealing tools or the portion to be sealed.

[0022] A battery cell sealing system according to another aspect of the present invention includes an inspection device for a sealing tool according to any one embodiment of the embodiments described above. [Effects of the Invention]

[0023] According to the present invention, the condition of the sealing tool used to seal the portion of the battery cell case by pressing and heating it is automatically inspected using a non-contact method. This allows for quick and easy confirmation of the sealing tool's condition regardless of its temperature, enabling real-time management of the sealing tool during the sealing process. As a result, the defect rate of battery cells manufactured using the sealing process can be reduced, and prompt action can be taken when defects occur.

[0024] Furthermore, by using a camera and displacement sensor that can be positioned away from the sealing tool to inspect its condition, thermal errors can be minimized, thereby increasing the accuracy and reliability of the inspection results.

[0025] Furthermore, by using the first piece of information acquired via the camera and the second piece of information acquired via the displacement sensor to determine whether or not the sealing tool is in an abnormal state, the accuracy and reliability of the inspection results can be further enhanced.

[0026] Furthermore, information regarding both longitudinal ends of the sealing tool is acquired via a plurality of cameras and a plurality of displacement sensors, thereby enabling collection of various information regarding the state of the sealing tool and further enhancing the accuracy and reliability of inspection results.

[0027] Furthermore, those with ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains should clearly understand from the following description that various embodiments according to the present invention can solve various technical problems not mentioned above.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0028] [Figure 1] It is a block diagram showing a sealing system for a battery cell including an inspection apparatus for a sealing tool according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a diagram showing an inspection apparatus for a sealing tool according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] It is a diagram showing an example of a battery cell that can be sealed by a sealing system for a battery cell according to the present invention. [Figure 4] It is a cross-sectional view showing the case portion of the battery cell shown in FIG. 3. [Figure 5] It is a diagram showing a sealing system for a battery cell that seals a battery cell. [Figure 6] It is a diagram showing a sealing system for a battery cell that seals a battery cell. [Figure 7] It is a cross-sectional view showing the case portion of a battery cell corresponding to the sealing target. [Figure 8] It is a cross-sectional view showing the sealed state of the case portion shown in FIG. 7. [Figure 9] It is a diagram showing the A1 region shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 10] It is a diagram showing the A2 region shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 11]This figure shows a position adjustment unit for a sealing tool inspection device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] This figure shows a battery cell sealing system according to one modified embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0029] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail based on the attached drawings in order to clarify the solutions to the technical problems of the present invention. However, in describing these embodiments, explanations of known technologies related to the present invention will be omitted if it is deemed that such explanations may obscure the gist of the present invention. Furthermore, the terms used in this specification are defined considering the functions of the present invention, and these terms may differ depending on the intentions or conventions of the user or operator. Therefore, it is appropriate that the definitions of terms described later be defined in light of the content throughout this specification.

[0030] Figure 1 shows a block diagram of a battery cell sealing system 10, including a sealing tool inspection device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] As shown in Figure 1, a battery cell sealing system 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a sealing device 100 and an inspection device 200 for sealing tools according to the present invention.

[0032] The sealing device 100 is configured to seal the case that forms the outer casing of the battery cell. As will be described again below, the sealing device 100 may include a pair of sealing tools that sandwich the portion of the battery cell to be sealed between them and contact the portion to be sealed on opposite sides to seal the portion to be sealed.

[0033] The sealing tool inspection apparatus 200 according to the present invention includes a camera 210 and a processor 220.

[0034] The camera 210 is configured to photograph the pair of sealing tools in contact with the sealing target portion of the battery cell and generate an image showing the gap between the pair of sealing tools.

[0035] The processor 220 is configured to generate first information relating to at least one of the actual distance between the pair of sealing tools and the orientation of the pair of sealing tools, based on the gap between the pair of sealing tools that appears in the image captured by the camera 210.

[0036] In one embodiment, the sealing tool inspection device 200 may selectively further include a position adjustment unit 230. In this case, the position adjustment unit 230 may be configured to adjust the position of the camera 210.

[0037] In one embodiment, the sealing tool inspection device 200 may selectively further include a displacement sensor 240. In this case, the displacement sensor 240 may be configured to sense the position or displacement of the first sealing tool of the pair of sealing tools in a non-contact manner.

[0038] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the sealing tool inspection device 200 may selectively further include an output device 250. In this case, the output device 250 may be configured to output a visual, auditory, or audiovisual warning signal when the processor 220 determines that the pair of sealing tools are in an abnormal state. For this purpose, the output device 250 may selectively include a display, printer, warning light, speaker, etc.

[0039] Figure 2 shows an inspection device 200 for sealing tools according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] As shown in Figure 2, a sealing tool inspection device 200 according to one embodiment of the present invention may be configured to automatically inspect the condition of a pair of sealing tools 110 and 120 provided on a sealing device 100 of a battery cell sealing system 10, in conjunction with the sealing device 100.

[0041] In this case, the pair of sealing tools 110 and 120 provided in the sealing device 100 may be configured to seal the portion of the battery cell 20 to be sealed (for example, the edge portion of the battery cell) by placing the portion between them and contacting the portion on opposite sides, thereby pressing and / or heating the portion to be sealed.

[0042] For this purpose, the sealing device 100 may include a first jig 130 and a second jig 140 for moving a pair of sealing tools 110 and 120. In Figure 2, the first jig 130 may be configured to raise or lower the first sealing tool 110, which is located at the top of the pair of sealing tools 110 and 120, as needed. The second jig 140 may be configured to raise or lower the second sealing tool 120, which is located at the bottom of the pair of sealing tools 110 and 120, as needed. Such first jig 130 and second jig 140 may be configured to move the pair of sealing tools 110 and 120 in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) using actuators such as servo motors or cylinders.

[0043] For example, once the battery cell 20 to be sealed arrives at a predetermined position, the first jig 130 can lower the first sealing tool 110 to make it tightly contact the upper surface of the portion of the battery cell 20 to be sealed, and the second jig 140 can raise the second sealing tool 120 to make it tightly contact the bottom surface of the portion of the battery cell 20 to be sealed. Then, the first sealing tool 110 and the second sealing tool 120 can press and / or heat the portion of the battery cell 20 to be sealed, thereby sealing that portion.

[0044] For this purpose, the first sealing tool 110 may include a first contact bar 112 that contacts the battery cell 20, a first support block 114 that supports the first contact bar 112, and a first stopper 116 that determines the distance between the first sealing tool 110 and the second sealing tool 120.

[0045] The second sealing tool 120 may also include a second contact bar 122 that contacts the battery cell 20, a second support block 124 that supports the second contact bar 122, and a second stopper 126 that determines the distance between the first sealing tool 110 and the second sealing tool 120.

[0046] Furthermore, the first sealing tool 110 and the second sealing tool 120 may include heaters (not shown) for heating the first contact bar 112 and the second contact bar 122.

[0047] In one embodiment, the sealing device 100 may include a shim positioned at at least one end of the first stopper 116 and the second stopper 126 to change the distance between the first sealing tool 110 and the second sealing tool 120.

[0048] The sealing tool inspection device 200 according to the present invention may be configured to automatically inspect the condition of a pair of sealing tools 110 and 120 provided in the sealing device 100 described above.

[0049] For this purpose, the sealing tool inspection device 200 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a camera 210 and a processor 220. Although not shown in Figure 2, the processor 220 may be integrated into the camera 210 or may be included in a separate control unit (not shown) that controls the sealing tool inspection device 200.

[0050] The camera 210 is configured to photograph a pair of sealing tools 110 and 120 that are in contact with the sealing target portion of the battery cell 20, and to generate an image showing the gap between the pair of sealing tools 110 and 120. In this case, the resolution of the camera 210 may be configured to be 1 / 10 of the gap.

[0051] The processor 220 is configured to generate first information relating to at least one of the actual distance between a pair of sealing tools 110, 120 and the orientation of the pair of sealing tools 110, 120, based on the distance of the gap between the pair of sealing tools 110, 120 that appears in the image captured by the camera 210. For this purpose, the processor 220 may pre-store the actual distance values ​​corresponding to the distance of the gap that appears in the image in an accessible recording medium.

[0052] Furthermore, the processor 220 may be configured to use the first information to determine whether the state of the pair of sealing tools 110 and 120 is abnormal. If it is determined that the state of the pair of sealing tools 110 and 120 is abnormal, the processor 220 may control the output device 250, as described in conjunction with Figure 1, to output a warning signal.

[0053] In one embodiment, the sealing tool inspection device 200 may include a position adjustment unit 230. The position adjustment unit 230 may be configured to adjust the position of the camera 210. For this purpose, the position adjustment unit 230 may include a guide rail that guides the movement of the camera 210.

[0054] In this case, the guide rail may include a first rail 232 that guides the movement of the camera 210 in a first axial direction (e.g., the X-axis direction) and a second rail 234 that guides the movement of the camera 210 in a second axial direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction) that intersects the first axial direction.

[0055] In one embodiment, the guide rail may include a third rail 236 that guides the movement of the camera 210 in a third axial direction (e.g., the Z-axis direction) that intersects the first axial direction and the second axial direction, respectively.

[0056] In one embodiment, the position adjustment unit 230 may also include a rotating frame 238 that supports the camera 210 and allows the camera 210 to rotate within a predetermined range of angles.

[0057] In this way, by adjusting the position of the camera 210 using the position adjustment unit 230, the camera 210 can be precisely positioned to a location corresponding to the focal length of the camera 210, and the area captured by the camera 210 can be easily changed.

[0058] In one embodiment, the sealing tool inspection device 200 may include a plurality of cameras 210. For example, the sealing tool inspection device 200 may include a first camera 210A that photographs one end of a pair of sealing tools 110, 120 with respect to the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the pair of sealing tools 110, 120, and a second camera 210B that photographs the other end of the pair of sealing tools 110, 120.

[0059] In this case, the first camera 210A may be configured to produce a first image showing the gap between one end of a pair of sealing tools 110, 120 facing each other, and the second camera 210B may be configured to produce a second image showing the gap between the other end of the pair of sealing tools 110, 120.

[0060] Furthermore, the processor 220 may generate information regarding at least one of the actual distance between the pair of sealing tools 110, 120 and the orientation of the pair of sealing tools 110, 120, based on the gap intervals that appear in the first image and the gap intervals that appear in the second image.

[0061] In one embodiment, the inspection device 200 for the sealing tool may include a displacement sensor 240 instead of the camera 210, or it may further include a displacement sensor 240 in combination with the camera 210.

[0062] Furthermore, if the sealing tool inspection device 200 includes a displacement sensor 240, it may further include an extension structure 260.

[0063] The extension structure 260 may be provided at at least one end of the first sealing tool 110 of a pair of sealing tools 110, 120, and may be configured to extend outward from the first sealing tool 110.

[0064] The displacement sensor 240 may be configured to sense the displacement of an extension structure 260, which is provided at a predetermined position and moves as the first sealing tool 110 moves, in a non-contact manner.

[0065] For example, the displacement sensor 240 may be configured to irradiate the extension structure 260 with a laser or light and sense the displacement value of the extension structure 260 using the laser or light reflected from the extension structure 260.

[0066] For this purpose, the extension structure 260 may include a coupling portion 262 that is coupled to the first sealing tool 110, and a reflecting portion 264 that extends from such coupling portion 262 to the outside of the first sealing tool 110 and reflects light or laser emitted from the displacement sensor 240 back towards the displacement sensor 240.

[0067] Thus, if the sealing tool inspection device 200 includes a displacement sensor 240 and an extension structure 260, the processor 220 may be configured to generate second information relating to at least one of the following: the position of the first sealing tool 110, the distance between a pair of sealing tools 110, 120, and the orientation of the pair of sealing tools 110, 120, based on the displacement value of the extension structure sensed by the displacement sensor. For this purpose, the processor 220 may pre-store the position of the extension structure 260 and the distance to the extension structure 260 when the first sealing tool 110 is in its normal position in an accessible recording medium.

[0068] Furthermore, the processor 220 may be configured to use the second information to determine whether the state of the pair of sealing tools 110 and 120 is abnormal. If it is determined that the state of the pair of sealing tools 110 and 120 is abnormal, the processor 220 may control the output device 250, as described in conjunction with Figure 1, to output a warning signal.

[0069] In one embodiment, if the sealing tool inspection device 200 includes both a camera 210 and a displacement sensor 240, the processor 220 may be configured to determine whether the condition of the pair of sealing tools 110, 120 is abnormal based on first information obtained via the camera 210 and second information obtained via the displacement sensor 240.

[0070] In this way, the sealing tool inspection device 200 can improve the accuracy and reliability of the inspection results by performing multiple inspections of the state of the pair of sealing tools 110 and 120 using a camera 210 and a displacement sensor 240.

[0071] In one embodiment, the sealing tool inspection device 200 may include a plurality of extension structures 260 and displacement sensors 240. In this case, the extension structure 260 may include a first extension structure provided at one end of the first sealing tool 110 with respect to the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the first sealing tool 110, and a second extension structure provided at the other end of the first sealing tool 110. The displacement sensor 240 may include a first displacement sensor that senses the displacement value of the first extension structure at a first position, and a second displacement sensor that senses the displacement value of the second extension structure at a second position.

[0072] In this way, the sealing tool inspection device 200 can acquire information on both longitudinal ends of the pair of sealing tools 110 and 120, thereby collecting various information on the condition of the sealing tools and further improving the accuracy and reliability of the inspection results.

[0073] On the other hand, as described above, the pair of sealing tools 110 and 120 of the sealing device 100 may be configured to transfer heat above a predetermined temperature to the portion of the battery cell 20 to be sealed, thereby sealing the portion. In this case, the displacement sensor 240 may be positioned below the pair of sealing tools 110 and 120 so as not to encounter heat moving upward from the pair of sealing tools 110 and 120 or the portion of the battery cell 20 to be sealed.

[0074] Figure 3 shows an example of a battery cell 20 that can be sealed by the battery cell sealing system according to the present invention.

[0075] As shown in Figure 3, the battery cell 20 may include an electrode assembly 22 formed by stacking a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate with a separator in between, and a case 28 that houses such an electrode assembly 22 together with an electrolyte material in an internal space S1.

[0076] Furthermore, the battery cell 20 may further include an electrode lead 24 electrically connected to the electrode assembly 22, and a sealing tape 26 that seals the peripheral edge of the electrode lead 24.

[0077] The case 28 of such a battery cell 20 may include a first case portion 28a and a second case portion 28b that are coupled to each other to form an internal space S1. The case 28 can be sealed by hermetically coupling the edge portion of the first case portion 28a and the edge portion of the second case portion 28b with respect to each other while the electrode assembly 22 is housed in its internal space S1.

[0078] Figure 3 shows that the battery cell 20 is either a pouch-type or rectangular battery cell, but it goes without saying that, depending on the embodiment, the battery cell 20 can be transformed into a wide variety of forms that can be sealed by a pair of sealing tools 110, 120.

[0079] Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the battery cell case shown in Figure 3.

[0080] As shown in Figure 4, the case 28 of the battery cell 20 may have a multilayer structure. For example, the first case portion 28a of the case 28 may include an aluminum sheet layer L1 that provides the rigidity required to protect the electrode assembly 22, an insulating material layer L2 laminated on the outer surface of the aluminum sheet layer L1 to insulate the aluminum sheet layer L1, and a bonding material layer L3 laminated on the inner surface of the aluminum sheet layer L2 to bond with the second case portion 28b.

[0081] The insulating material layer L2 may contain insulating materials such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or nylon.

[0082] The bonding material layer L3 may contain heat-sealable materials such as casted polypropylene (CPP) or polypropylene (PP).

[0083] On the other hand, the second case portion 28b of the case 28 may also have a multilayer structure similar to or similar to the first case portion 28a described above.

[0084] Figures 5 and 6 show a battery cell sealing system 10 for sealing the battery.

[0085] As shown in Figure 5, the sealing device 100 of the battery cell sealing system 10 described above may include a first jig 130 and a second jig 140 for moving a pair of sealing tools 110 and 120.

[0086] The first jig 130 may be configured to raise or lower the first sealing tool 110, which is located at the top of the pair of sealing tools 110, 120, depending on the situation. The second jig 140 may also be configured to raise or lower the second sealing tool 120, which is located at the bottom of the pair of sealing tools 110, 120, depending on the situation. Such first jigs 130 and second jigs 140 can raise or lower the pair of sealing tools 110, 120 using actuators such as servo motors or cylinders.

[0087] For example, once the battery cell 20 to be sealed arrives at a predetermined position, the first jig 130 can lower the first sealing tool 110 to bring it into close contact with the upper surface of the portion of the battery cell 20 to be sealed, and the second jig 140 can raise the second sealing tool 120 to bring it into close contact with the bottom surface of the portion of the battery cell 20 to be sealed.

[0088] Subsequently, as shown in Figure 6, the first sealing tool 110 and the second sealing tool 120 of the sealing device 100 can press and / or heat the portion of the battery cell 20 to be sealed, thereby sealing the portion to be sealed.

[0089] In this case, the first contact bar 112 of the first sealing tool 110 is supported by the first support block 114 and can be in close contact with the upper surface of the portion to be sealed. Similarly, the second contact bar 122 of the second sealing tool 120 is supported by the second support block 124 and can be in close contact with the bottom surface of the portion to be sealed. At this time, the distance between the first sealing tool 110 and the second sealing tool 120 can be determined by the stoppers 116, 126.

[0090] Subsequently, the first sealing tool 110 and the second sealing tool 120 can apply high heat to the portion to be sealed, causing thermal fusion of the portion. As described above, the first sealing tool 110 and the second sealing tool 120 may include a heater (not shown) for heating the first contact bar 112 and the second contact bar 122.

[0091] Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the battery cell case corresponding to the area to be sealed.

[0092] As shown in Figure 7, the portion of the battery cell 20 to be sealed is the portion where the edge of the first case portion 28a and the edge of the second case portion 28b of the overall case 28 face each other.

[0093] The portion of the battery cell 20 to be sealed may have a laminated structure in which the insulating material layer L2, aluminum sheet layer L1, and bonding material layer L3 of the first case portion 28a and the bonding material layer L3', aluminum sheet layer L1', and insulating material layer L2' of the second case portion 28b are stacked in this order.

[0094] Figure 8 shows the case portion shown in Figure 7 in a sealed state.

[0095] As shown in Figure 8, once the portion of the battery cell 20 to be sealed is sealed by the pair of sealing tools 110 and 120, the bonding material layer L3 of the first case portion 28a and the bonding material layer L3' of the second case portion 28b are heat-fused together to form a single layer L3''.

[0096] On the other hand, as described above, the sealing tool inspection device 200 according to the present invention can automatically inspect the condition of the pair of sealing tools 110 and 120 while the sealing device 100 is performing the sealing process.

[0097] Specifically, the camera 210 of the sealing tool inspection device 200 can photograph a pair of sealing tools 110 and 120 that are in contact with the sealing target portion of the battery cell 20, and generate an image showing the gap between the pair of sealing tools 110 and 120.

[0098] If the sealing tool inspection device 200 includes multiple cameras, the multiple cameras may be configured to photograph different parts of a pair of sealing tools 110, 120.

[0099] Figure 9 shows the A1 region shown in Figure 6.

[0100] As shown in Figure 9, the first camera 210A among the multiple cameras may be configured to photograph one end of a pair of sealing tools 110, 120, for example, the end adjacent to the degassed portion of the battery cell 20.

[0101] In this case, the first contact bar 112 of the first sealing tool 110 may be provided with a stepped portion 112a that widens the gap between the first sealing tool 110 and the second sealing tool 120, making it easier to measure the gap distance D1.

[0102] Furthermore, the second contact bar 122 of the second sealing tool 120 may be provided with a stepped portion 122a corresponding to the stepped portion 112a of the first contact bar 112.

[0103] Figure 10 shows the A2 region shown in Figure 6.

[0104] As shown in Figure 10, the second camera 210B among the multiple cameras may be configured to photograph the other end of the pair of sealing tools 110, 120, for example, the end adjacent to the portion of the battery cell 20 that does not have a sealed edge.

[0105] In this case, the first contact bar 112 of the first sealing tool 110 may be provided with a stepped portion 112b that widens the gap between the first sealing tool 110 and the second sealing tool 120, making it easier to measure the gap distance D2.

[0106] Furthermore, the second contact bar 122 of the second sealing tool 120 may be provided with a stepped portion 122b corresponding to the stepped portion 112b of the first contact bar 112.

[0107] Figures 9 and 10 show that the stepped portions on both sides of the sealing tool are approximately the same length, however, the stepped portion adjacent to the degassing portion of the battery cell 20 may be configured to be longer than the stepped portion on the opposite side.

[0108] Returning to Figure 6, the inspection device 200 for the sealing tool may include multiple displacement sensors 240 and extension structures 260. In this case, the extension structures 260 may be provided at both ends of the first sealing tool 110.

[0109] The displacement sensor 240 may include a first displacement sensor that senses the displacement value or distance D3 of one extension structure at a first position, and a second displacement sensor that senses the displacement value or distance D4 of the other second extension structure at a second position.

[0110] In this way, the sealing tool inspection device 200 can acquire information on both longitudinal ends of the pair of sealing tools 110 and 120, thereby collecting various information on the condition of the sealing tools and further improving the accuracy and reliability of the inspection results.

[0111] Furthermore, the displacement sensor 240 may be positioned below the pair of sealing tools 110, 120 so as not to encounter heat moving upward from the sealing target portion of the pair of sealing tools 110, 120 or the battery cell 20.

[0112] Figure 11 shows a position adjustment unit 230 for a sealing tool inspection device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0113] As shown in Figure 11, the position adjustment unit 230 may be configured to adjust the position of the camera 210. For this purpose, the position adjustment unit 230 may include guide rails that guide the movement of the camera 210.

[0114] In this case, the guide rail may include a first rail 232 that guides the movement of the camera 210 in a first axial direction (e.g., the X-axis direction) and a second rail 234 that guides the movement of the camera 210 in a second axial direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction) that intersects the first axial direction.

[0115] In one embodiment, the guide rail may further include a third rail 236 that guides the movement of the camera 210 in a third axial direction (e.g., the Z-axis direction) intersecting the first and second axial directions, respectively.

[0116] In one embodiment, the position adjustment unit 230 may also include a rotating frame 238 that supports the camera 210 and allows the camera 210 to rotate within a predetermined range of angles.

[0117] In one embodiment, if the sealing tool inspection device 200 includes multiple cameras, the position adjustment unit 230 may be configured to adjust the position of each of the multiple cameras.

[0118] In this way, by adjusting the position of the camera 210 using the position adjustment unit 230, the camera 210 can be precisely positioned to a location corresponding to the focal length of the camera 210, and the area captured by the camera 210 can be easily changed.

[0119] Figure 12 shows a battery cell sealing system 10' according to one modified embodiment.

[0120] As shown in Figure 12, a modified embodiment of the battery cell sealing system 10' may include a sealing device 100 and a sealing tool inspection device 200, similar to the battery cell sealing system 10 described with reference to Figures 1 to 11.

[0121] It should be noted that the inspection device 200 for the sealing tool of the battery cell sealing system 10' includes an extension structure 260' that is integrated with the stopper of the sealing device 100.

[0122] In other words, the extension structure 260' may include a coupling portion 262' that is coupled to the first sealing tool 110, and a reflecting portion 264' that extends from such coupling portion 262' to the outside of the first sealing tool 110 and reflects light or laser emitted from the displacement sensor 240 back towards the displacement sensor 240.

[0123] In this case, the connecting portion 262' of the extension structure 260' can act as a stopper to limit the distance between the first sealing tool 110 and the second sealing tool 120.

[0124] As described above, according to the present invention, the condition of the sealing tool used to seal the portion of the battery cell case by pressing and heating is automatically inspected using a non-contact method. This allows for quick and easy confirmation of the sealing tool's condition regardless of its temperature, enabling real-time management of the sealing tool during the sealing process. As a result, the defect rate of battery cells manufactured using the sealing process can be reduced, and prompt action can be taken when defects occur.

[0125] Furthermore, by using a camera and displacement sensor that can be positioned away from the sealing tool to inspect its condition, thermal errors can be minimized, thereby increasing the accuracy and reliability of the inspection results.

[0126] Furthermore, by using the first piece of information acquired via the camera and the second piece of information acquired via the displacement sensor to determine whether or not the sealing tool is in an abnormal state, the accuracy and reliability of the inspection results can be further enhanced.

[0127] Furthermore, by acquiring information on both longitudinal ends of the sealing tool via multiple cameras and multiple displacement sensors, various information about the condition of the sealing tool can be collected, further increasing the accuracy and reliability of the inspection results.

[0128] Furthermore, it goes without saying that embodiments of the present invention can solve various other technical problems not only in the art field described herein but also in the art fields related to the present invention, excluding those mentioned herein.

[0129] The present invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, those skilled in the art will clearly understand that various modified embodiments can be realized within the technical scope of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed herein should be considered from an explanatory rather than restrictive perspective. That is, the true technical scope of the present invention is shown in the claims, and any differences within an equivalent scope should be interpreted as being included in the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0130] 10, 10' Battery Cell Sealing System 100 sealing devices 110 First sealing tool 120 Second sealing tool 130 First jig 140 Second jig 200 Sealing Tool Inspection Device 210 Cameras 220 Processors 230 Position adjustment unit 240 Displacement Sensor 250 Output device

Claims

1. A sealing tool inspection device for inspecting a pair of sealing tools that seal a portion of a battery cell by placing the portion to be sealed between them and contacting the portion on opposite sides, A camera that photographs the pair of sealing tools in contact with the portion to be sealed and generates an image showing the gap between the pair of sealing tools, A processor that generates first information relating to at least one of the spacing between the pair of sealing tools and the orientation of the pair of sealing tools, based on the spacing of the gaps that appear in the image, An inspection device for sealing tools, including [specific components].

2. The aforementioned camera, A first camera generates a first image showing the gap between one end of the pair of sealing tools facing each other, A second camera generates a second image showing the gap between the other ends of the pair of sealing tools facing each other, An inspection apparatus for sealing tools according to claim 1, including the following:

3. The inspection apparatus for sealing tools according to claim 1, further comprising a position adjustment unit configured to adjust the position of the camera.

4. The aforementioned position adjustment unit is The inspection apparatus for a sealing tool according to claim 3, further comprising a guide rail for guiding the movement of the camera.

5. The aforementioned guide rail is A first rail that guides the movement of the camera in the first axial direction, A second rail that guides the movement of the camera in a second axial direction intersecting the first axial direction, An inspection apparatus for sealing tools according to claim 4, including the following:

6. An extension structure provided at at least one end of the first sealing tool of the pair of sealing tools, extending outward from the first sealing tool, A displacement sensor is provided at a predetermined position and configured to sense the displacement value of the extension structure in a non-contact manner, The inspection apparatus for sealing tools according to claim 1, further comprising:

7. The inspection device for a sealing tool according to claim 6, wherein the displacement sensor is configured to irradiate the extension structure with a laser or light and sense the displacement value of the extension structure using the laser or light reflected from the extension structure.

8. The aforementioned extension structure is The joint portion attached to the first sealing tool, A reflective portion extending from the joint to the outside of the first sealing tool, which reflects light or laser emitted from the displacement sensor toward the displacement sensor, An inspection apparatus for sealing tools according to claim 7, including the following:

9. The sealing tool inspection apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the processor is configured to further generate second information relating to at least one of the position of the first sealing tool, the distance between the pair of sealing tools, and the orientation of the pair of sealing tools, based on the displacement value of the extension structure sensed by the displacement sensor.

10. The processor is further configured to determine whether the state of the pair of sealing tools is abnormal based on the first information and the second information, The sealing tool inspection apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising an output device that outputs a warning signal when it is determined that the condition of the pair of sealing tools is abnormal.

11. The aforementioned extension structure is A first extension structure provided at one end of the first sealing tool, A second extension structure is provided at the other end of the first sealing tool, An inspection apparatus for sealing tools according to claim 6, including the following:

12. The displacement sensor is A first displacement sensor that senses the displacement value of the first extension structure at a first position, A second displacement sensor that senses the displacement value of the second extension structure at the second position, An inspection apparatus for sealing tools according to claim 11, including the following:

13. The pair of sealing tools are configured to seal the portion to be sealed by transferring heat above a predetermined temperature to the portion to be sealed, The sealing tool inspection apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the displacement sensor is positioned below the pair of sealing tools so as not to encounter heat moving upward from the pair of sealing tools or the portion to be sealed.

14. A battery cell sealing system comprising an inspection device for sealing tools according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

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